The Sunday Word

Reviews / Votes

Author article in The Catholic Herald. If the Word of God is 'alive and active' (Heb.4:12) it must be alive and active for all of us today.In these commentaries the background and shape of every passage is opened up and shared with us. This is a great achievement by Henry Wansbrough and we should all be grateful to him. I warmly endorse Fr. Herny Wansborough's commentary on the Sunday Lectionary. The Word of God is, in the author's own words, God's loving gift of himself .This commentary can only enhance the reader's response to that Word. The Introduction to the commentary outlines the structure of the Lectionary, thereby enabling the reader to appreciate the unfolding of the mystery of Christ in the Church's liturgical year. The commentaries for each Sunday bring the author's scholarship to an understanding of the passages, whilst, at the same time, encouraging readers to allow the passages to speak to their own faith experience. This commentary will be an invaluable resource to all who celebrate the Word of God Sunday by Sunday. I commend it highly to prayer groups, liturgy groups, catechists and Bible study groups:in fact to all who seek to hear the Word of God and respond in faith. Henry Wansbrough is that rare breed - an effortless teacher who knows his subject inside out, and so can afford to teach as teachers should: by asking the questions rather than giving the answers. Questions at the end of each paragraph on this succinct commentary on the 3-year Sunday Lectionary contain such gems as, 'Which is the more important day, Christmas or Epiphany?', 'Has my baptism empowered me?' and 'Are you a sheep?' (on John 10). He is a Biblical scholar who is generous, wise and broad-ranging. His commentary on the New Lectionary - now substantially used by all the mainstream Churches following the western rite - will be seized on eagerly by all preparing for Sunday worship; and his succinct and accessible turn of phrase, summed up in his description of those feast that take precedence over ordinary Sundays as 'Solemnities which trump Sundays', will endear him to many - Roman Catholics and other traditions alike. Beautifully written and drawing upon a lifetime of Biblical scholarship, Dom Henry Wansbrough's explanations of the Bible readings Sunday by Sunday are as informative as they are a delight! Arising from notes originally for children in Catholic schools, these fuller versions will benefit readers of all ages and across all denominations, particularly through the very relevant questions appended to every reading. A treasure house of information, background and context for our understanding of the Sunday Lectionary. Expressed with clarity and wit, the insights of this internationally-renowned Biblicist bring together decades of scholarship. For preacher and worshipper alike, this book offers opportunities for fresh appreciation of the Sunday Lectionary. I warmly endorse Fr. Herny Wansborough's commentary on the Sunday Lectionary. The Word of God is, in the author's own words, God's loving gift of himself. This commentary can only enhance the reader's response to that Word. The Introduction to the commentary outlines the structure of the Lectionary, thereby enabling the reader to appreciate the unfolding of the mystery of Christ in the Church's liturgical year. The reader will find this particularly useful during the special Seasons of Lent and Advent. Here the significance and movement of the Seasonal Readings are carefully explained, thereby affording the reader the best possible preparation for the celebration of Christmas and advent. Many will appreciate Fr. Wansborough's brief introduction to Lectio Divina. His succinct exposition of this classical method, based on a prayerful reading of the Sunday Readings, will bring a new dimension to the understanding of those not yet acquainted with this method of prayer.Prayer groups and individuals, using this form of prayer in conjunction with the Sunday Readings, will appreciate the richness of the Scriptures with both head and heart. The commentaries for each Sunday bring the author's scholarship to an understanding of the passages, whilst, at the same time, encouraging readers to engage with the passages from their own faith experience. This engagement is prompted by the useful questions attached to the readings for each Sunday. This commentary will be an invaluable resource to all who celebrate the Word of God Sunday by Sunday. I commend it highly to prayer groups, liturgy groups, catechists and Bible study groups:in fact to all who seek to hear the Word of God and respond in faith.